Texas Democrats hail Obama for investing in innovation, research

Gov. Rick Perry and President Barack Obama extend their right arms for a handshake at Austin Bergstrom International Airport. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

There may be more Republicans than Democrats in Texas, but Texas Democrats were as enthusiastic about President Obama’s visit to the state as Republicans were dismissive.

Texas Democratic lawmakers matched their Republican colleagues in steadfast enthusiasm for their home state’s booming economy, but not the GOP lawmakers unalterable opposition to the president’s economic proposals.

Democratic Rep. Gene Green of Houston used the opportunity to talk about energy, an issue where has has broken from his party in the past.

“”I’m glad that President Obama is visiting Texas to see our economic growth and job creation,” Gene Green said in a statement. “Technology and energy are the reasons for the strong Texas economy. Production of reasonably priced energy is great for Texas and our nation.”

“President Obama’s positive message about the importance of creating well-paying, high-tech, middle-class jobs in America is a welcome one in Texas,” Al Green said in a statement.

Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo spoke about the industries driving growth in his South Texas district: oil, gas, technology and trade.

“It’s really not about President Obama or Rick Perry, but it’s more about Texans,” Cuellar said. “The innovation we have in Texas, the creativity, the determination to create small businesses that have been very successful.”

Cuellar said one of the strengths of Texas’s economy was its trade with neighboring Mexico. Cuellar said every 30 seconds a truck crosses the border in his hometown of Laredo, delivering goods.

Rep. Ruben Hinojosa of Mercedes said he hopes the president would visit the southern part of Texas.

“He has made it very clear that he is investing in higher education programs including research and job training that will provide skilled workers throughout the state of Texas and across the nation,” Hinojosa, the chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said in a statement.

Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio also wished for the president to visit his hometown.

“I invite the President to come down I-35 and visit San Antonio to see how a city thrives when it invests in its people and industries by being both pro-business and pro-education,” Castro said in a statement.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Austin, whose district stretches to San Antonio, accompanied President Obama on Air Force One and followed the president out of the aircraft. The veteran congressman retweeted others’ comments about Obama’s appearances, along with photos from the events. A sample:

RT @texasleftist: President Obama is having Manor New Tech high school senior Tevin Washington introduce him.Very cool!!#atxobama